How to Search and Sort in iOS 18 Journal App

Apple’s iOS 18 significantly upgrades the Journal app by introducing dedicated search, filter, and sorting features that were missing in earlier versions. This guide explains how to locate specific entries using text queries, narrow down results by media type, and change the chronological order of your journal entries to navigate your personal history efficiently.

The search functionality is located directly at the top of the main Journal interface.

  1. Open the Journal app on your iPhone running iOS 18.
  2. Tap the Search bar (or pull down on the entry list to reveal it).
  3. Type keywords, locations, or topics mentioned in your entries.

The app performs an on-device search across your written text, transcribed voice memos, and assigned location data to display matching entries in real time.

Filtering Journal Entries

Next to the search bar, the Journal app includes a filter tool designed to isolate entries based on specific media or content types.

To use filters:

  1. Tap the Filter icon (represented by three horizontal sliding bars) at the top right of the screen.
  2. Select one or more categories:
    • Photos: Displays only entries containing images.
    • Videos: Isolates entries with attached video clips.
    • Recorded Audio: Shows entries featuring voice recordings.
    • Reflections: Filters for guided writing prompts and reflections provided by Apple.
    • Places: Displays entries tied to specific geographic locations.
    • Bookmarked: Filters for entries you have manually flagged as favorites.

Filters can be combined with text searches to narrow results down to specific formats, such as finding a photo from a particular trip.

Sorting Entries by Date

By default, the Journal app displays your memories in reverse chronological order (newest to oldest). In iOS 18, you can customize this arrangement.

  1. Tap the Filter/Sort icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Locate the Sort By section within the menu.
  3. Choose your preferred display order:
    • Newest First: The default view, placing your most recent writing at the top.
    • Oldest First: Inverts the timeline, allowing you to read your journal progressively from your earliest entries forward.
    • Entry Date vs. Moment Date: Choose whether to sort by the day you wrote the entry or the day the actual event/photo occurred.

Once selected, the feed automatically reorders itself to match your chosen preference until you reset the filter. Tap Clear in the filter menu at any time to return to the standard chronological view.